Chapter 141: Shen Gongbao vs. Jiang Ziya

After finishing his words, Shen Gongbao stood silently, leaning on his staff. He knew King Zhou and the others would surely continue to question him, even plead for his help. This was exactly what he wanted.

For days, Shen Gongbao had been calculating and observing the fate and fortune of the Shang Dynasty. The Yin Shang was supposed to be in decline and facing inevitable ruin. Yet, inexplicably, some unknown force had caused a drastic change in the nation’s destiny. The rising fortune of the Shang terrified many.

Shen Gongbao’s purpose in coming to Shang was clear: he wanted to carve out a brilliant place for himself in the city of Zhaoge, to claim a seat of power. He chuckled inwardly. Ah, Jiang Ziya, your opening of the Investiture of the Gods list, a product of the times producing heroes, just so happens to aid me greatly.

Very good! The arrival of Jiang Ziya and the Shang delegation filled Shen Gongbao with joy. His demeanor was laden with meaning. King Zhou was no fool; he clearly understood Shen Gongbao had come seeking his own path to power.

Since they were all wise men, it was best to speak frankly. King Zhou asked, “Since you know the origin and cause of this Investiture list, I ask you: do you have any solution?”

Just as he wished! Shen Gongbao immediately replied, “Your Majesty, the solution is simple. Seize the Investiture scroll from my elder brother, then destroy it. Without the list, it cannot be activated. The world will remain as it is, with no demons or spirits causing chaos. The people will live in peace.”

“There is another way: find the chosen one, the one destined by Heaven, and kill them. Without this chosen one, the Investiture list cannot be opened.”

If they could help Shang kill his elder brother Jiang Ziya, that would be perfect. Humph! Why should that despicable elder brother reap all the benefits? As the junior disciple, Shen Gongbao was neglected by their master and at odds with his brother. That elder brother, glowing with brilliance, was truly infuriating. Why should all the world’s advantages belong to that Jiang bastard? He couldn’t even snatch the scraps for himself. Shen Gongbao swallowed his bitterness, aching to slay Jiang Ziya soon.

Thus, Shen Gongbao came to Shang, volunteering himself. In his heart, he schemed eagerly.

King Zhou turned to Wen Zhong. “Grand Tutor Wen, what do you think?”

Wen Zhong’s face darkened in thought before he said, “Your Majesty, if so, why not send Mr. Shen to seize the Investiture scroll? After all, that man is your elder brother. When they meet, they can talk things over. Mr. Shen, what do you think?”

Damn it! Shen Gongbao felt as if he had swallowed a fly from the latrine, his stomach churning. Wen Zhong had passed the responsibility to him, and he could not refuse. He had to endure it; otherwise, he would be cast out.

Though unhappy, Shen Gongbao feigned gratitude. “I thank Grand Tutor Wen for his trust. Since that is so, I accept this task. Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost to complete it.”

King Zhou smiled and nodded. “Good. Let it be so. Mr. Shen, I await your good news. When you complete this task, I will never be stingy with rewards. Then... haha, we shall grant you further honors.”

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

Though clearly an empty promise, he had to accept on the surface, though inwardly he suffered greatly.

What troubled Shen Gongbao now was the chosen one destined to open the Investiture list. He could not calculate anything about this person. Even if he tried, it was impossible to divine. No one knew where the Heaven-chosen individual was.

Stepping out of the palace, Shen Gongbao casually summoned a white tiger that appeared majestically in the air. Mounting the beast, he soared away on clouds and mist.

About five li outside Zhaoge, near a teahouse, the weather was hot and patrons crowded the area. The servants bustled like spinning tops, while the owner counted accounts loudly.

In a private chamber sat an old man with white hair. The old man quietly sipped his tea by the window, composed and serene. It was Jiang Ziya.

The news of the Shang visit had spread, and the city’s lively commotion had reached the effect Jiang Ziya desired. Opening the Investiture list to display all the gods and the ensuing strange phenomena was meant to disturb the Shang’s national fortune. When two parties fight, the third benefits—a clever strategy indeed.

A joyous spirit filled Jiang Ziya’s heart.

“Ah... everyone, look! What is that...?”

“Looks like... a white tiger, and someone is riding it...”

A roar! The white tiger landed with a thunderous howl, shaking heaven and earth. All the patrons in the teahouse were terrified, fleeing in panic.

The servants and owner cowered trembling in the kitchen.

Jiang Ziya furrowed his brows. The sudden appearance of his junior brother here surely could mean no good.

“Ah, elder brother, what a small world! To meet you here, how fortunate. I hope you are well.”

Though he had come deliberately, Shen Gongbao feigned surprise as if by chance. His expression was obviously false and insincere.

Jiang Ziya returned the politeness, equally forced. Though sworn brothers under the same master, they were never on good terms. The elder brother looked down on the junior; the junior envied the elder’s talents and hated him bitterly.

Shen Gongbao plopped down and brewed himself a cup of tea, taking a long gulp before lazily fixing his gaze on Jiang Ziya. “Elder brother, this visit to Shang surely has a purpose. I might as well guess: recently, rumors have spread in Zhaoge that the Investiture list is about to be opened, and the chosen one is in the city. Haha...”

“Elder brother, your stratagem is truly masterful; I must admire your cunning.”

Shen Gongbao’s insincere praise made Jiang Ziya feel as if a stone blocked his heart, neither rising nor falling. His junior brother’s knack for insults remained unchanged since they first met. Facing him was like stepping on a pile of dung—disgusting and unsettling.

Jiang Ziya remained silent, sipping tea, but thought bitterly: The rumors I spread are just stirring in Zhaoge, and now this junior brother seeks me out? Whatever his business, it can only be trouble.